A 23-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly holding a woman at knife point in Ōamaru last night.
Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy of Waitaki Police said at around 6.45pm police were told a man with a knife was attempting to steal vehicles near the hospital.
"The offender has grabbed a woman out of her vehicle, holding her at knife point, before attempting to take off in her car," McCoy said.
"When it failed to start, he has then stolen another woman's vehicle and driven off."
McCoy said he was stopped not long after by an officer on Thames St and was taken into custody "without incident'.
The 23-year-old will face charges of aggravated robbery, and driving while forbidden.
He is expected to appear in the Timaru District Court today.
"This would've have been a terrifying incident for the two victims, who were fortunately not injured, and they are being supported by police," McCoy said.
"Police would like to thank the witnesses and members of public that came to the victims' aid.
"There is no place for this activity in our community, and where it does occur we work hard to hold offenders to account and support those affected."
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